El diablo que conoces

This movie is filled with surprises. Why the ratings are so low through IMDB? I have no clue! But if you want to watch a story where a close knit families love and loyalty is tested- it's worth watching!

All to familiar storyline... love all the actors and some of the best male actors today. Each actor played there role to the fullest. It should have been called brothers my only complaint is that one male actor had no tears when he attempted to be crying. But never thought the dinner table scene would go that way. Loved it.

Premise: The Devil You Know, a crime drama revolving around a black family. Marcus, who has just come out of prison is trying to make his life again with a new job and his family's support. One day, when he hears about a recent crime in news, that could lead to his brother, he chooses to protect him. What he does and how that affects him and his family is the rest of the film's story.

Cinematic Analysis: Calling it a crime thriller might be misleading as there aren't any thrills involved here. The story is mostly focused on family dynamics, the ups and downs, and their daily lives. Heavy on conversations, the film tries to explore the impact a crime can have on people around us, especially our loved ones. It tries to bring us the inner conflicts and emotions they feel when something like this happens.

The film is around 2 hrs long and the screenplay is extremely elongated. Instead of spending so much time on family get-togethers, if the makers would have invested some time to explain the backstory of our lead character, it surely would have helped a lot to connect with him on an emotional level and for a better understanding of the choices he made. The film focuses on things that are less important and never touches on the impactful aspects.

The ending is surprising, never expected it to end this way. Performances are good but character development did have some scope to improve. On technical levels like cinematography, score etc., the film does a fine job.

Conclusion: In finality, The Devil You Know had a potential and impactful plot but the screenplay couldn't bring out our emotions or make us care for any of the characters. It lacks a tighter script and proper execution.

Rating: 5/10

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I saw this offered on Starz and since I had heard zilch about it, I assumed it would be a B movie.. but wuth Omar Epps, I'd take the risk (despite HATING that Netflix movie with him & Nia Long).

As the movie begins and I continue to see names and faces of actors that I love, I relax a bit and ride the ride.

Beautiful family portrayed!! Real life situations. I did not find myself being mad at anyone for being "stupid" or behaving unrealistic. I disagreed, but it was very believable.

The acting was superb! I was also (pleasantly) surprised to see my girl Keisha from Total, Who is now Mrs Keisha Epps for the last 20 years or so. Seeing how they (she & Omar) didn't react to each other in relationships with other folks in the movie was great. She also, independently, did a good job in her supporting role. She was a good wife, friend, daughter (-in-law) and sister-in-law and I believed it.

I do understand why some reviews are low and others are high. I'm somewhere in the middle. I was definitely effected by the drama and ky emotions responded accordingly. However, there was "something" missing. I can't put my hand on it.

The movie is roughly 90 min so I would 100% say give it a go if you're interested. It will not feel like you wasted your time and you might even thoroughly enjoy it.

My daughter and I watched the movie and it was really good. I loved the turns and twist to the movie line. The only part I hated was the ending. I really thought it should and could have been better. The beginning was really good and I loved how it keep certain parts out and fed into when they did.

I had no dream it was going to be that way. You have to listen and pay attention to what's going on. A great movie and it keeps you in suspense until the end. I will recommend to others but would tell them to keep an open mind. This could be anyone's family and everyone will be in shock because of the togetherness.